Can a player play in a younger age group because of their weight?

Question

Accepted Answer

Under NSWRL Policy 2.28, players may apply for dispensation to play in the age group one year below their natural age (the age they turn in the current calendar year). It is approved for players judged to be within the weight limit for that age group, and it applies to tackle competitions only.

Weight limits (the player's age group, and the maximum weight to play one group down):

Under 7: 21kg or under may play Under 6
Under 8: 23kg, Under 7
Under 9: 26kg, Under 8
Under 10: 29kg, Under 9
Under 11: 33kg, Under 10
Under 12: 37kg, Under 11
Under 13: 42kg, Under 12
Under 14: 48kg, Under 13
Under 15: 53kg, Under 14
Under 16: 55kg, Under 15
Under 17: 58kg, Under 16
Under 18: 60kg, Under 17
Players turning 19 in the current year: 62kg or under may play Under 18

How it works:

The player applies to the League. An NSWRL appointed official weighs the player, and if eligible marks their record as eligible for the requested age group. Once weighed and verified, the player is not weighed again that season.
A player granted dispensation to play down cannot play in their natural age group in the same season.
Approval is for one season only, is subject to final approval by NSWRL, and can be reviewed at any point in the season.
Junior Representative players under the NSWRL Player Transfer Policy cannot apply, and District / Regional Development players may be refused at the Local League Administrator's sole discretion.

Separate rules apply to female only dual-age competitions.